Seoul will begin enforcing stricter smoking regulations on April 24, as revised tobacco laws come into effect. Under the updated rules, all tobacco products—including liquid e-cigarettes—will be subject to fines if used in designated no-smoking areas.
Previously, liquid e-cigarettes made with synthetic nicotine were not legally classified as “tobacco.” This loophole allowed users to avoid penalties in no-smoking zones once the product type was verified. The gap had drawn criticism, as such products were widely sold and marketed with limited restrictions. The legal revision removes this exception, bringing all tobacco products under the same enforcement framework. Violations may result in fines of up to KRW 100,000.
To support the transition, the city will run a two-week public awareness and guidance campaign from April 13 to April 23. During this period, authorities will distribute informational materials and provide targeted guidance to retailers and the public.
Full enforcement will follow from April 24 to May 15, with inspections focusing on unmanned vape shops and licensed tobacco retailers. Key checks will include vending machine compliance, prevention of sales to minors, and adherence to advertising and labeling rules.
Joint inspection teams—comprising officials from multiple city departments and district offices—will conduct on-site checks. A total of 16 teams with 32 personnel will participate in enforcement efforts.
Youth protection remains a priority. Authorities will closely examine whether age-verification systems are installed on unmanned vending machines and whether proper signage prohibiting sales to minors is displayed.
Alongside enforcement, Seoul will continue to strengthen smoking cessation initiatives. Data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency shows the city maintains lower smoking rates and higher quit-attempt rates than the national average. Officials plan to expand support through the “Wrist Doctor 9988” service, which offers access to counseling and smoking cessation programs via a mobile app.
